Up to 200 people braved a wintery dip in the icy waters of Dunedin’s St Clair beach yesterday for a longstanding event.
Among those taking part in the 94th Polar Plunge were newcomers keen to support the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club fundraiser.
Participant Rebecca McKeever said she and her friend Jessica Carroll had been meaning to take part for a long time, and this year they finally did.
The pair wore matching blue outfits with white wigs and sunglasses as they took to the water, which was not as cold as they expected it to be.
"We thought if you are going to do it you might as well dress up and have fun," she said.
It was "an awesome event" for a worthy cause, and they had really enjoyed it.
It helped that conditions were almost ideal for the noon event, with sunshine and no wind, he said.
"It was excellent — great weather, a fantastic turnout and good vibes."
Last year the event was cancelled as conditions made the beach unsafe to access, so it was good to be back.
The novelty was what kept people coming year after year, as did the fact it was "such a good beach", he said.
The entry fee was a gold coin and proceeds went to the club.
Mr Tyndall was thankful to everyone in the community who had come along and shown their support for the club.
